“Kayo po ang sagot sa aming dasal” (You are the answer to our prayers).

Thus, said Caren Casupanan, a Grade 12 Aeta scholar from Floridablanca, as she conveyed her gratitude to Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda during the distribution of financial assistance in Floridablanca on October 27.

Caren is among the 904 Aeta students in Grades 7 to 12 who regularly benefit from the educational  financial assistance program of Governor Delta.

Her words echoed the shared sentiment of the Aeta community, emphasizing the profound impact of the governor’s contributions to their educational aspirations and, by extension, the betterment of their families residing in the uplands.

She said, “Dahil po sa inyo at sa pamilya niyo, nabibigyan po yung mga katulad namin ng pagkakataon na mangarap” (Because of you and your family, people like us are given the opportunity to dream).

To express her gratitude further, Caren delivered a heartfelt rendition of “The Prayer,” dedicating it to Governor Delta.

In response, Governor Delta reemphasized his commitment to stand by the Aeta students throughout their educational journeys, pledging to support them until they achieve their dreams. 

“Commitment ku kekayu nak, panikwanan dakayung asadsad di Nanay, at reng board members yu hanggang mayari kayu at makapantun kayung obra. Pakisabi mi mu na samasnan yu ing pamagaral yu” (My commitment to you is steadfast, and I’ll work hand in hand with your parents and our board members until you graduate and attain your goals) he expressed.

According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), each scholar received financial assistance worth P2,500.

Apart from Floridablanca, Aeta scholars from Porac and Mabalacat City also received the same assistance through the help of the program.

Also present during the distribution ceremony were 2nd District Board Member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, Fritzie David-Dizon, Sajid Khan Eusoof, and Acting PSWDO Fe Manarang.